The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, now in its third week, has drawn mixed responses from union members. Actor Stephen Amell recently expressed his support for the union but also voiced his opposition to the strike, referring to it as a “reductive negotiating tactic” and “myopic.”
While at Galaxycon in Raleigh, N.C., Amell addressed the topic when asked about it. He began by affirming his support for the union, saying, “I support my union, I do. And I stand with them.” However, he went on to state, “I do not support striking. I don’t. I think that it is a reductive negotiating tactic.”
Video footage of Amell’s comments has circulated widely on social media. In the video, he expresses frustration and describes the thinking behind the strike as myopic, particularly as it relates to shows such as the pro wrestling series Heels, which premiered its second season on Friday night. Notably, the appearance at Galaxycon was not promoted as a Heels event, and the convention website informed attendees that questions would not be taken during guest panels due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Stephen Amell’s public opposition to the strike makes him one of the highest-profile actors to express disagreement. The strike was voted for unanimously by union members on July 13 and has received support from numerous prominent figures in Hollywood. For example, the entire cast of Oppenheimer left their own premiere to join the strike.
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